Your Guide to Fall Motorcycle Riding
With the autumn months soon arriving to the Hoosier state, motorcyclists
are pulling their bikes out for longer road trips, logging the miles across
Indiana’s scenic roadways in hopes for one last motorcycle getaway.
And with data collectors seeing a jump in the amount of motorcycles on
the road again this year, we are reminded that the more bikes on the road,
the more risk of accident and tragic fatalities. The
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 4,976 deaths from motorcycle crashes in 2015, up 8.3
percent from 4,594 in 2014.
Bike Rules For Hoosier Roadways
Patches of rain and cooler pavements mixed with falling leaves and road
debris may contribute to an increase in bike accidents during the fall
season. Because of this, bikers should use extra caution and review road
conditions prior to setting out for a ride. Reviewing these simple bike
rules will help Hoosiers live a long-lasting, accident free motorcycle
riding life no matter what time of year it is.
- BE NOTICEABLE: Make yourself and your motorcycle as visible as possible.
Leave your headlights turned on at all times. Wear brightly colored clothing
that makes you more noticeable. Don’t drive in the blind spots of
other vehicles. - COMMUNICATE WITH EVERYONE ON THE ROAD: Always use turn signals and check
to be sure your intentions are noticed before you change lanes or pull
out into traffic. Use your horn if you think someone hasn’t seen
you and alert them of your presence and intentions. - DON’T DRIVE UNDER THE INFLUENCE: Do not drink, use drugs, or take
prescription medications that can cause drowsiness or other impairment. - KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DRIVING ON: Gravel can also prove hazardous to motorcyclists
due to loss of traction. Always avoid sudden braking or veering on gravel.
Sudden acceleration can cause you to lose control. - MAINTAINENCE: Regularly maintain your motorcycle properly and undertake
repairs when needed. - SEEK OUT ROAD HAZARDS: Be on the lookout for potholes, down branches, leaves
and debris piles, and cracks in the road. Keep your eyes on the road ahead
to avoid hitting something that could cause an accident. - SLOW DOWN: If you can’t avoid a pothole or debris, slow down as much
as possible to lessen the chance of loss of control or damage to your
tires and wheels. - WEAR A HELMET: Motorcycle helmets remain the best protection against a
traumatic brain injury(TBI). In fact, a helmet reduces the risk of a head injury by 69 percent
and death by 37 percent if a crash were to occur.
Let An Experienced Indiana Motorcycle Lawyer Help You
Even if you follow all of the above safety rules, the careless actions
of another driver can still lead to a devastating motorcycle accident.
Wagner Reese has a team of experienced
Indiana motorcycle accident injury attorneys here for you. We are the best choice to represent you in your claim for
damages caused in a motorcycle or car accident. We want to assist you
on your road to recovery by lessening the load of medical bills and other
expenses incurred by your motorcycle accident. Call the law firm of Wagner
Reese today at (888) 204-8440 for your FREE consultation.
